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"It's going to be very social. Although I have designed the menu I don't intend to spend my time in the kitchen. I have a very good team doing the cooking and I will be out with my guests, mingling and chatting."

The first course will be plated, however the rest of the meal is designed to be shared.

"Although Italian is not the usual cuisine I cook- I'm more European - I love Italian and it is amazing cuisine to eat," he said.

"The Pask wines are a perfect match - they are fantastic."

Chief winemaker, managing director and co-owner of Pask Winery Kate Radburnd said they were "excited about our Pask food and wine experience this Sunday".

"There will be two Declaration Pask wines matched with each course. That's eight wines and four beautiful courses including our new release; 2009 Methode Traditionelle," Ms Radburnd said.

Mr Van de Elzen said he loves visiting Hawke's Bay.

"It's the flavour bowl of New Zealand. I love the restaurant at Craggy Range, Cape Kidnappers, Te Mata Peak. You have amazing bike trails, I love getting on my mountain bike and riding them.

"And I always visit Mister D when I'm here. We knew Dave and Prudence when they were in Auckland. They came to our restaurant for their farewell dinner, we were really honoured. The food at Mister D's is clean and well executed."

Mr Van de Elzen said he's got some great stories to share with diners at Sunday's event.

"I don't have a planned speech, it will all be off the cuff."

He also has some exciting plans for the future. He is planning on building a farm west of Auckland where he and his wife, who is also a chef, will run a cookery school.

"It will be a place people can come to for the day and have fun, make marmalade, salami, pick fruit and much more. We are looking at opening in the summer of 2018 - there's nothing like it in New Zealand and we are very excited."